On Friday, June 1, 2012 3:18:55 PM UTC-7, RAS56 wrote:
Hmmm...let's see now.

Months behind schedule.

Expensive.

Compared to what? Amortized over several years? Compered to one or more deaths in mid-air collisions? Installing ADS-B data-out? Writing off a glider in an accident? Full cost of attending one contest? Cost of a season of tows?

Very picky about installation.

Features that don't work or aren't turned on yet.

That was always expected and is a very good thing vs. waiting for some arbitrary 'feature complete' product. We need the primary flarm-flarm collision avoidance deployed as widely as possible in the USA fleet now, especially in key contests and at busy glider locations and especially to have experience with this before key events like the World contest in Texas. Having extra features like IGC logging is a nice to have, but not something ever to hold the product up for.

Documentation and manuals that may leave you with more questions than
answers.

I agree the product documentation could be better, but it you have questions ask them and hopefully they will get answered. Web site content including the stuff Dave recently put up is a big help.

Programming and continual updating required.

That is a good thing with any advanced technology product and software/firmware/(and even protocol) fixes and feature updates is something that Flarm has managed fairly well over their history, the other extreme is you have no updates or vendor support and a dead product.

Primary tech support located in another continent.

Oops except you have...

Product experts like Dave Nadler hand holding folks at contests. And Dave has experience as a early/beta tester and data-port software developer and is able to get to whoever he needs at Flarm. As experience grows folks seem to be helping each other out with install related things.

Board level repairs and mods are done in the USA.

Folks like Rex Mayes (and maybe other folks) manufacturing installation mounts/kits and supporting them in the USA.

The CEO of FLARM lives in the USA. Some work is done here (if nothing else Urs looks at issues himself), some overseas.

Given all that I don't care where a developer is located, as long as they are good and have access to the data and tools they need and are focused on the right thing.


Another battery draw.

Yes no surprise these advanced technology products run on electricity. But its another battery draw that should be easily manageable for most gliders. As with any new device, you have to look at the total power consumption. If it does turn out to be a problem then adding/upgrading batteries or adding solar panels are options.

My retired-USAF-Avionics-tech Dad's advice given to me years ago
circling in my head to "never drive, buy or fly the "A" model of
anything mechanical, electrical or both."

There are ten thousand of Flarm products flying world wide. While PowerFLARM is a significant technology step it is built on a very solid foundation. The company and their partners like Butterfly has very impressive history at developing advanced technology and shipping products.

One of the reasons PowerFLARM has been delayed is the development of the brick unit, which was in response to feedback from USA glider pilots. Again seeing that happen is a good thing, even though all of us wish they had been here sooner. Other delays have been less expected but its clear FLARM is has been busy working issues like range concerns.

And finally there is a rental program for portable units up and running in the USA (that is impressive to see), for folks not sure this seems a great way of trying out the technology. But yes getting the portable unit installed for a one off rental does take some work. Nothing comes for free.


-Insert your own concern here-

WOW! Who wouldn't want one???

I don't know, but hundreds of USA glider pilots seem to understand delivering advanced new technology products can unfortunately involve delays and hassles at times and still want to get their hands on a PowerFLARM as soon as they can.

I've got a "Brick" model (it DOES kinda make you wonder if it's
appropriately named, no?) reserved in my name...but right now I'm 90%
certain I'll forgo the promised discount, cancel my order and wait for
Version B, C, D...or whatever when all the bugs are finally worked out
and everything is turned on and operational. For the time being, I'll
start using the Zaon PCAS that I just ordered for less than 1/3 the cost
of the PF to at least keep me clear of the squawkers.

Sure wish the version used in Europe could just have been used here.
Understand that was not in the cards for the USA, still...the
hassle-factor of this device has crossed my (admittedly low) pain
threshold and I believe I'll join the late bloomers and technology
Luddites.

Unfortunately the exiting Flarm devices just were not an option due to lack of FCC certification.

Darryl